From the Guidelines
Meningococcemia is primarily caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which can be transmitted through respiratory droplets or secretions from an infected person, particularly in close quarters or through certain immune deficiencies. The primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets or secretions from an infected person, typically through close contact such as kissing, coughing, sneezing, or living in crowded conditions 1. Risk factors include age (infants, adolescents, and young adults are at higher risk), living in close quarters like college dormitories or military barracks, certain immune deficiencies (particularly complement deficiencies), asplenia (absence of a functioning spleen), and travel to regions where the disease is endemic, such as the "meningitis belt" in sub-Saharan Africa 1. The bacteria can breach the nasopharyngeal mucosa and enter the bloodstream, where they multiply and cause the characteristic symptoms of fever, rash, and potentially life-threatening complications including septic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation 1. Some key considerations and risk factors for the likelihood of any specific aetiology include:
- Age: infants, adolescents, and young adults are at higher risk
- Living in close quarters: college dormitories or military barracks
- Certain immune deficiencies: particularly complement deficiencies
- Asplenia: absence of a functioning spleen
- Travel to regions where the disease is endemic: such as the "meningitis belt" in sub-Saharan Africa Prompt recognition and treatment with appropriate antibiotics like ceftriaxone or penicillin G is essential, as the disease can progress rapidly and become fatal within hours 1.
From the Research
Causes of Meningococcemia
Meningococcemia is a rare but life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. The causes of meningococcemia can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Person-to-person transmission via direct contact or through dispersion of respiratory droplets from a carrier of the bacteria 2
- Orogenital contact with an oropharyngeal meningococcal carrier, leading to urogenital and anorectal infections 2
- Weakened immune system, such as decreased IgG subclass 3, making individuals more susceptible to infection 3
- Certain underlying conditions, such as chronic meningococcemia, which can present similarly to reactive, neoplastic, or rheumatic disorders 3
- Transmission through close contact with an infected individual, particularly in areas with high incidence of meningococcal disease 4
Risk Factors
Certain groups are at higher risk of developing meningococcemia, including:
- Men who have sex with men (MSM), who are at increased risk of invasive meningococcal disease due to a highly virulent and predominantly serogroup C lineage of meningococci 2
- Individuals with immune deficiencies, such as those with decreased IgG subclass 3, who are more susceptible to infection 3
- Close contacts of patients with meningococcal disease, who may be at risk of transmission 4
Transmission and Prevention
Transmission of meningococcemia can be prevented through:
- Vaccination, which is an effective way to prevent meningococcal disease 2
- Antibiotic prophylaxis, which can be used to prevent transmission in close contacts of patients with meningococcal disease 4
- Avoiding close contact with individuals who have meningococcal disease, particularly in areas with high incidence of the disease 4